Rosemary (Ross) Wheat

February 4, 1925 – October 22, 2024

Rosemary Wheat, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away Tuesday, October 22 at the age of 99.  Born on February 4, 1925, Rosemary was a witness to nearly a century of incredible change and progress.

After being born in Ridgeway, Hopkins County, Texas her family moved a few miles away to Gafford's Chapel where she grew up assisting on the family farm. As a member of the "Greatest Generation", she lived through World War II, witnessing the courage and sacrifice of an entire generation, many of whom—including her family members—answered the call to serve. After graduating from Sulphur Springs High School as president of her senior class, and after attending East Texas State Teachers' College, she moved to Dallas to contribute to the war effort herself. While working at Southern Aircraft Corporation in Garland, she met and married her husband, Bob Wheat.

In the decades that followed, Rosemary raised a family and made a career working in banking until age 80 when she finally retired to care for her ailing husband.  She saw the world change in ways that few could have imagined in 1925. She witnessed the rise of television and saw the first man walk on the moon. She lived through the Civil Rights Movement, watching the nation take important strides toward equality, and saw the world become more interconnected through technology and globalization.

She was here when the United States went through both triumphs and challenges—from the great depression of 1929, World War II, the Kennedy assassination, the turbulent 1960s, the Vietnam War, Afghanistan and Iraq.  She saw the country unite in times of great tragedy, from the aftermath of 9/11 to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, despite all these monumental changes, one thing remained constant in Rosemary's life: her dedication and generosity to her family and her values of love, kindness, and strength.

For nearly a century, Rosemary was a witness to history—through wars, technological revolutions, social movements, and great national achievements. Rosemary witnessed an incredible 18 different U.S. Presidents throughout her life, beginning with Calvin Coolidge, who was in office the year she was born. She lived through 25 presidential elections, each one marking the changing tides of leadership and direction for the country she loved. She saw the country grow and change, but through it all, she carried her own quiet resilience and grace, reminding those around her that what truly matters most is love, family, and the friends we make.

It's humbling to think of the vast sweep of history Rosemary lived through. As we reflect on her incredible life, we are reminded of the strength it takes to live through so much, to see the world change in ways unimaginable when she was born, and to still carry a sense of optimism, compassion, and Christian faith.

We are blessed to have been a part of her world, and as we say goodbye, we remember not only the history she witnessed but the history she helped create through her family and all the lives she touched. Let us carry forward the lessons she lived by—lessons of resilience, love, and the importance of family.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, Henderson Glenn Ross and Una Ross, Sister Chloe Spencer and husband A.B., brother Nelson Ross and wife Jean, sister Thelma Stewart and husband Odell, brother H.G Ross Jr. and wife Billie, and brother Chapin Ross and wife Alice.  Husband Robert B. Wheat, and her youngest son Richard Ross Wheat.  She is survived by her son, Denny Wheat and wife Donna, grandchildren Jason Wheat and partner Lisa Fay Colby, Justin Wheat and wife Christy, great grandchildren Ashton, Ellis, and Tinsley Wheat, and Callie Gulbranson.  Grandson Jacob Wheat.

Granddaughter Lisa Taylor, and great grandchildren Sydney and Sullivan Taylor. Grandson Kevin Wheat and wife Gina and great grandson Gavin Wheat. Granddaughter Julie Turpin and great grandchildren Kyle, Connor, and Cole Wheat and great-great granddaughter Isabella. Grandson Todd Wheat and wife Daiga.